We, Le COBDA, will be having special appreciation to our members and special recognition to our SSPs

Saturday, February 13, 2016
TIME: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Please get to The Chicago Lighthouse by 10:45 AM

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
1850 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608

Anyone who has transportation arrangements, PLEASE have your ride ready by 2:30 PM, no later than 2:30 PM. Please be aware that we will be not assisting or waiting for anyone to leave after 2:30 PM. Thank you.

Interveners…provide access to information and communication. They facilitate the development of social and emotional well-being for children who are deaf-blind. In educational environments, intervener services are provided by an individual, typically a paraeducator, who has received specialized training in deaf-blindness and the process of intervention. An intervener provides consistent one-to-one support to a student who is deaf-blind (age 3—21) throughout the instructional day. (taken from INTERVENER SERVICES AND INTERVENERS IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS definition found on the National Center on Deaf-Blindness website at https://nationaldb.org/)

WHY IS LEARNING ABOUT DEAF-BLINDNESS AND INTERVENERS IMPORTANT?

The Cogswell Macy Act was introduced in congress September 17, 2015. In addition to other important changes, this act would make deaf-blind intervention a related service option for students with deaf-blindness in the United States.

CAN FREE ONLINE TRAINING BE GOOD?

The Open Hands Open Access (OHOA) Deaf-Blind Intervener Learning Modules were created by a diverse group of experts in the field of deaf-blindness including state and national deaf-blind project staff, parents of children who are deaf-blind, higher education faculty, teachers, educational interpreters, and interveners. Each module includes a variety of accessible videos, photographs, slide presentations, and learning activities.

***As with any educational resource, the modules themselves do not constitute a formal training program, nor does completion of the modules independently and in isolation from a training program result in one becoming an intervener.

Project Reach: Illinois Deaf-Blind Services is offering the modules for professional development hours for licensed Illinois Teachers. The modules have been aligned with the new ISBE professional development requirements. Each cluster for four modules take about 29-32 hours to complete (varies per person) and is worth about 30 PD hours for Illinois teachers.

WHAT HAVE PEOPLE TAKING THE MODULE SAID?

“I liked learning about my particular student. I thought that was a useful activity”.

“I loved the videos that showed parents/teachers talking and providing examples. The resources will be helpful with my students- deaf-blind or not”.

“Enjoyed being able to work from home and at my own pace”.

“Terrific support from the OHOA host”.

“Loved the activities!”

“Explaining, what it means to be deaf-blind really gave me an understanding of my daughter. It gave me a better understanding of the disability”.

WHEN DO THE MODULES START?

The Illinois cohorts will begin February 1, 2016 and end May 31, 2016. While you may work on the days and times of your own choice, it is strongly recommended that you complete some work each week, and that you complete one module each month in order to complete all four modules within four months. Each module includes slides shows and videos to view, readings, assignments (some physical activities and most written) and other requirements to complete in order to receive 6-11 hours of credit per module. Once all four modules are completed (, you will receive a certificate of completion/ISBE evidence of completion for all four modules.

WHEN CAN I REGISTER?
Registration runs November 15, 2015 – January 15, 2016. Join now!

Now that Thanksgiving is almost over, the Chicago Club of the Deaf (CCD) will be hosting the HOLIDAY PARTY at The Chicago Lighthouse. They will provide Holiday Feast. That is going to be fun and yummy. Come join us in celebrating the upcoming Holiday Season.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

TIME: 11:00 AM to 2:45 PM

Please get to The Chicago Lighthouse by 10:45 AM

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

1850 W. Roosevelt Road

Chicago, IL 60608

Anyone who has transportation arrangements, PLEASE have your ride ready by 2:30 PM, no later than 2:30 PM. Please be aware that we will be not assisting or waiting for anyone to leave after 2:30 PM. Thank you.

We, Le COBDA, will be having Thanksgiving Luncheon at The Chicago Lighthouse.

Thanksgiving is a very important holiday, especially in the busy lives of Americans. It is about spending time together, catching up, and enjoying one another’s companionship. The Thanksgiving holiday is a reminder to give thanks for the good things, people, and providential events in our lives.

Come join and help us celebrate Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 14, 2015

TIME: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Please get to The Chicago Lighthouse by 10:45 AM The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired 1850 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL 60608

Anyone who has transportation arrangements, PLEASE have your ride ready by 2:30 PM, no later than 2:30 PM. Please be aware that we will be not assisting or waiting for anyone to leave after 2:30 PM. Thank you.

CTA will be the Largest Public Transit System in the U.S. with 4G Coverage in all Subway Stations and Tunnels; Targeted to be Completed by the End of 2015

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the completion of the first phase of a project to bring 4G wireless coverage to the Chicago Transit Authority subway system. Upon completion of the network upgrade, which is expected by the end of 2015, the City of Chicago will be the largest city in North America to have a subway system with full 4G wireless coverage across its entire system of subway stations and tunnels.

Starting this week, CTA Blue Line O’Hare Branch riders have full 4G wireless coverage in the Kimball Subway, a 1.2-mile section serving the Logan Square and Belmont stations. Activation of 4G coverage in the remaining portions of the Blue and Red Line subways will occur in phases, with the entire subway completed by year’s end.

“The addition of 4G coverage will ensure that CTA passengers can benefit from dependable data service while riding the subway,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Importantly, it will also improve communications for first responders working inside the tunnel system. This is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to invest in 21st century technology in Chicago’s world-class transit system, and expand economic opportunity for more Chicagoans throughout the city.”

LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN AND AROUND CHICAGO:

ADA25CHICAGO is offering Sign and Touch architectural tours:

OCTOBER 25, 2015 TOUCH TOUR AT THE FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is proud to introduce American Sign Language tours and Touch Tours at its historic sites:

Touch Tour Sunday, October 25 at 4 pm – Frederick C. Robie House

NOVEMBER 6, 2015 TOUCH TOUR AT THE ROOKERY BUILDING LOBBY

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is proud to introduce American Sign Language tours and Touch Tours at its historic sites”

Touch Tour Friday, November 6 at 12:30 pm – The Rookery Building Lobby

For more information about the architectural tours, go to http://ada25chicago.org/partners/frank-lloyd-wright-trust/

At Harper College, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine

ADS hosts free, public events throughout the year. Multiple events are planned during October for Disability Employment Awareness Month: • Tuesday, October 27, 12:30 pm, Building D, Room D193x Chronic Strength: Navigating the Pathway to Academic Success and Managing a Chronic Medical Condition

Kevin Foster will speak about his career with Motorola Solutions working in Human Resources and his experience with Adaptive Sports. Kevin is the founder and co-leader of the Motorola Solutions People with Disabilities and Allies Business Council. Kevin also currently serves on the board of directors for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program and participated for two years as a member of the US Paralympics Alpine Ski Team.

FRIDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2015

19TH ANNUAL DEAF HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC BOWL Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Building/Room: Building J, Theater (park in lot 5) Description: Seven high schools will compete in the mental-sharpening competition covering art/literature, Deaf studies, entertainment, math and technology, science and social studies. The defending champion is John Hersey and the runner up is Hinsdale South.

Summary: The Vauderville show is made up of variety shows. Previous acts have included comedy, improvisation, short stories, signing songs in ASL and various other outstanding acts by Deaf and hard of hearing female and male actors of various ethnicities. Directed and produced by Tom Adamo, who was voted by the Deaf community as the “Best Local Entertainer” in the state of Illinois in 2013.

Admission: $10 per ticket.

For more information or to order tickets, please contact Tom Adamo at tadamo61@yahoo.com. You can also purchase tickets at Harper’s box office, Harper’s booth at DeafNation Expo or door.

Description: The Deaf Club is Rustic Lantern Film’s latest movie! Remember Lake Windfall from two years ago? This time, they created a comedy that’ll keep you laughing. Kevin Smith, local Chicagoan also stars in this movie as well as John Austin, born and raised in Chicago and now lives in Florida. Some material may not be appropriate for children under 13.

This movie features both ASL and open-captions. Co-Hosted by: Harper College Deaf Institute and Chicagoland Deaf Seniors.

Admission: $10 per ticket. For more information or to order tickets, please contact Jim Lomanto at jimactor@sbcglobal.net. You can also purchase tickets at Harper’s box office, Harper’s booth at DeafNation Expo or door. Website:www.rusticlanternfilms.com